Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca | Huberman Lab

In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Sergiu Pasca about autism, schizophrenia, and human brain development. The discussion covers the rising prevalence of autism, its genetic components, and novel treatments for profound autism using organoids and assembloids—human brain circuits derived from stem cells. Dr. Pasca explains how these models are used to understand psychiatric illnesses and develop cures, while also addressing ethical considerations related to stem cell therapies and genetic testing. They explore the challenges in defining and treating autism, the role of genetics versus environmental factors, and the potential of gene therapy and CRISPR technology.

Outlines

Part 1: Autism - Introduction and Prevalence

Part 2: Challenges in Autism Research

Part 3: Gene Therapy and Ethical Considerations

Part 4: Stem Cells and iPSCs

Part 5: Organoids and Assembloids

Part 6: Ethical and Practical Considerations of Advanced Models

Part 7: Genetic Testing and Disease Modeling

Part 8: Societal Impact and Closing

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Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca

Huberman Lab

Part 1: Autism - Introduction and Prevalence

00:00Introduction to Autism: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Historical Perspectives

Introduction to Autism: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Historical Perspectives

07:19Autism Prevalence: Gender Differences and Biological Factors

Autism Prevalence: Gender Differences and Biological Factors

11:57Diagnostic Criteria and Symptom Variability in Autism

Diagnostic Criteria and Symptom Variability in Autism

14:50The Role of the Microbiome and Genetic Factors in Autism

The Role of the Microbiome and Genetic Factors in Autism

17:39Genetic Categories and the Increase in Autism Incidence

Genetic Categories and the Increase in Autism Incidence

Part 2: Challenges in Autism Research

22:24Challenges in Understanding and Treating Autism: Biological Markers and Accessibility of the Brain

Challenges in Understanding and Treating Autism: Biological Markers and Accessibility of the Brain

26:45Correlative Studies and the Complexity of Autism Research

Correlative Studies and the Complexity of Autism Research

31:35Prevalence of Autism Worldwide and Introduction to Gene Therapy

Prevalence of Autism Worldwide and Introduction to Gene Therapy

Part 3: Gene Therapy and Ethical Considerations

34:09Gene Therapy and CRISPR: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Gene Therapy and CRISPR: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Future Prospects

39:07Ethical Considerations and Irreversible Nature of Gene Therapies

Ethical Considerations and Irreversible Nature of Gene Therapies

Part 4: Stem Cells and iPSCs

41:03Stem Cells: Types, Properties, and the Yamanaka Factors

Stem Cells: Types, Properties, and the Yamanaka Factors

45:04Ethical Debates and the Properties of Stem Cells

Ethical Debates and the Properties of Stem Cells

47:32The Discovery of iPSCs and the Potential for Studying Human Neuroscience

The Discovery of iPSCs and the Potential for Studying Human Neuroscience

52:03Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Potential and Limitations

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Potential and Limitations

54:04Risks and Misconceptions of Stem Cell Injections

Risks and Misconceptions of Stem Cell Injections

58:03Dangers of Stem Cell Injections and Introduction to Organoids

Dangers of Stem Cell Injections and Introduction to Organoids

Part 5: Organoids and Assembloids

1:00:33Creating Neurons from iPSCs and Modeling Timothy Syndrome

Creating Neurons from iPSCs and Modeling Timothy Syndrome

1:05:05Transitioning to 3D Cultures: The Development of Organoids

Transitioning to 3D Cultures: The Development of Organoids

1:07:51Long-Term Organoid Cultures and the Intrinsic Clock of Development

Long-Term Organoid Cultures and the Intrinsic Clock of Development

1:12:22The Need for Circuit Properties and the Development of Assembloids

The Need for Circuit Properties and the Development of Assembloids

1:17:16Building a Simple Circuit: The Cortical Spinal Tract Assembloid

Building a Simple Circuit: The Cortical Spinal Tract Assembloid

1:21:35Building More Complex Circuits: The Somatosensory Assembloid

Building More Complex Circuits: The Somatosensory Assembloid

Part 6: Ethical and Practical Considerations of Advanced Models

1:27:33Ethical Considerations and the Potential for Tissue Immortalization

Ethical Considerations and the Potential for Tissue Immortalization

1:30:07Immortalization vs. Rejuvenation and the Use of Yamanaka Factors

Immortalization vs. Rejuvenation and the Use of Yamanaka Factors

1:34:45Ethical Concerns and the Importance of Nomenclature

Ethical Concerns and the Importance of Nomenclature

1:37:37Ethical Issues and Collaborative Efforts in Science

Ethical Issues and Collaborative Efforts in Science

1:42:01Self-Correction in Science and the Importance of Specificity

Self-Correction in Science and the Importance of Specificity

1:46:46Timing and Integration in Transplantation Experiments

Timing and Integration in Transplantation Experiments

1:55:01Public Perception and Ethical Boundaries

Public Perception and Ethical Boundaries

Part 7: Genetic Testing and Disease Modeling

1:58:02Genetic Testing and the Problem of Penetrance

Genetic Testing and the Problem of Penetrance

2:02:36Other Diseases Modeled with Assembloids and the Importance of Genetic Disorders

Other Diseases Modeled with Assembloids and the Importance of Genetic Disorders

2:07:30Scope of Research and Terminology

Scope of Research and Terminology

Part 8: Societal Impact and Closing

2:12:45Societal Implications and Personal Reflections

Societal Implications and Personal Reflections

2:20:06Gratitude and Closing Remarks

Gratitude and Closing Remarks